Welcome to the sixth week of transition in spiritual renewal! This week's sermon, God with us, gave an excellent overview of The Grand Story from the theme or perspective of God's abandonment, our resulting anger and frustration and finally redemption made possible by Christ's helping to fill our cup, which we pretend is full, but Why Can't We Just Come Clean? This sermon is available on the web or CD at the LMCC library and highly recommended!!! Meanwhile, at our Bible in 90 day study attended by Charles, Stan, Jamie and Ron, ably facilitated by Rick Adler, we discussed aspects of the video, taking care to understand the historical perspective of this week's reading taking place AFTER the exile. Ezra and Nehamiah worked to get the Israelite's back on track by re-establishing the foundation for the "Law" and then rebuilding the temple, all in an effort to cease the abandonment in the sermon. A major point is, no matter what decision the people made, God used it to work good, pursuant to his plan, The Grand Story! Exciting! Great things happening in Esther ( the origin of Purim, still celebrated today), Job(who was this man Elihu who got Job thinking a different perspective so he could finally listen to God speak) and the Psalms where yes, it seems God is on trial in our desparate search to know that God can be relied upon.
Now for Transitions, our Marketplace Ministry, now studying the personal assessment tool entitled "The Call". A perspective of daily, spiritual renewal was touched on last week as we centered on the activities of "study and meditation" and "value clarification and commitment". We are becoming aware of the results of Bible reading and reflection but are we in a process of clarifying our values and most importantly, if we have, have we definitely committed to them? For anyone wishing a powerful example of commitment,please request a quote from H.Murray which I can send to you. It is profound! To look at the big picture of personal renewal, one may wish to consider how the spiritual dimension of man relates to his physical, social-emotional and mental dimensions. Anyone of them is enhanced by renewing any or all of the others. Activities associated with the physical are nutrition, excercise and stress management; with social-emotional: service, empathy, intrinsic security and synergy and with mental: reading, visualizing,planning and writing. A balanced focused plan is required to keep this all on track for effectivenss, usefulness and peacefulness. More, later; in the meantime have a blessed week!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Fourth week Bible in 90 days
This last week Brian Newman gave a sermon on The GRAND STORY entitled "Even Job Had a Next Step" and related how Job had everything, lost everything and by suffering greatly, experienced through faith an intimacy with God when God told him to "brace yourself up like a man; I will question you and you will answer me." WoW! Job's next step was to "go on living" regardless of his suffering. In the end Job's faith was rewarded by the Lord and he was restored to twice his original state, a long ordeal for an innocent man to endure without knowing why. We see this same story being played out over and over again for the Israelites as the Kings who didn't forget God's commands prospered while those who strayed met disaster.
In our bible study video, following the instrument vs. obstacle theme, we saw David's problem developed from an abuse of power: David as the instrument ran into Bathsheba the obstacle and he forgot his values and lost the opportunity to build the Temple of the Lord, which fell to his son Soloman. Soloman's prayer, first for wisdom and then for God to come back and occupy the Temple for His Name was rewarded by giving God a foothold on earth and consequently, all nations were blessed. Charlie, Jack, Stan, Rick and Ron discussed how God's abandonment reflected Cain's main concern: he was no longer in the presence of God. Now, the high point of our discussion revealed that whereas the temple allowed God to dwell among his people in Old Testament times, today, we have become the temple in which God is to dwell. Now this really is a Grand Story!
This takes us to Transitions, where we left off last week with a quote regarding "commitment".
In Spiritual Renewal, we are asked to "study and meditate" and also to "clarify our values and commit" to them. Spiritual Renewal is a main dimension of an effective, useful and peaceful existence and by definately committing, the "moment we do, Providence moves as well".
This begins a transition which empowers our physical, mental and social-emotional selves, a great foundation for revival! May our prayer be for wisdom in committing to this task of continuing reading the Bible and magnifying God through the renewal of our souls. God bless!
In our bible study video, following the instrument vs. obstacle theme, we saw David's problem developed from an abuse of power: David as the instrument ran into Bathsheba the obstacle and he forgot his values and lost the opportunity to build the Temple of the Lord, which fell to his son Soloman. Soloman's prayer, first for wisdom and then for God to come back and occupy the Temple for His Name was rewarded by giving God a foothold on earth and consequently, all nations were blessed. Charlie, Jack, Stan, Rick and Ron discussed how God's abandonment reflected Cain's main concern: he was no longer in the presence of God. Now, the high point of our discussion revealed that whereas the temple allowed God to dwell among his people in Old Testament times, today, we have become the temple in which God is to dwell. Now this really is a Grand Story!
This takes us to Transitions, where we left off last week with a quote regarding "commitment".
In Spiritual Renewal, we are asked to "study and meditate" and also to "clarify our values and commit" to them. Spiritual Renewal is a main dimension of an effective, useful and peaceful existence and by definately committing, the "moment we do, Providence moves as well".
This begins a transition which empowers our physical, mental and social-emotional selves, a great foundation for revival! May our prayer be for wisdom in committing to this task of continuing reading the Bible and magnifying God through the renewal of our souls. God bless!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Third Week B90 Spiritual Renewal in transition
This week we've added a picture sent by John Moyer of pioneer rancher Ken Greene using his lariat to rope in a steer. We have three stories to rope in this week as we look at our 1) Bible study, 2)LMCC sermon and 3) Transitions, a ministry for those in job/career searches.
It was great to see Tom Merlo at our study this week as we looked at the workbook, listened to the video and had discussion. To begin we considered the good that may come from tragedy and unfortunate events such as befell Naomi and Ruth. In our video we learned that stories in Judges and Samual were stories about God and how He is in the process of revealing himself such as an enimies loss of courage when encountering God and that his faithfulness endures according to the covenants he's made. In discussion, Rick explained why the Israelites were prone to go to idol's or more local gods than the Master himself so as Jamie observed, "Be kind to the Israelites", we all have problems related to our native culture. Great discussion!
Our sermons on Entering the Grand Story beginning with 1)The Holy Impositon, 2)Mediator of Life and now 3) Prophecy of the Son recounts the theme of the original failure of man to not "man up" and now God's story recounts the curse (death) since we've been born unfaithful sons and daughters. The Prophecy of the Son is God's revelation that while some came close to his holiness, none were perfect and few really "got it" as presented in the second sermon. Ultimately, the prophecy of Christ's coming will result in finally, a son that is perfect, holy and dies for the sins of all who believe upon Him. This was a great sermon! God sent the "Spirit of His Son" meaning we are no longer a slave, but also an heir to God's kingdom!
Finally, Transitions is centering on "The Call" which is a personal assessment program developed by Focus on the Family and promises to help one encounter his/her own personality traits which gives one a better foundation in mapping a job search while maintaining Christian principles. This is key to not only understanding oneself but relating to our own spiritual transition in experiencing the Bible in 90 days. Quote for the day: "Countless ideas and (transitions) fail due to the ignorance of a basic, elementary truth: that the moment one definately commits himself, Providence moves also...". H. Murray
Thank you for your comments,keep committed and blessing are certain to follow!
It was great to see Tom Merlo at our study this week as we looked at the workbook, listened to the video and had discussion. To begin we considered the good that may come from tragedy and unfortunate events such as befell Naomi and Ruth. In our video we learned that stories in Judges and Samual were stories about God and how He is in the process of revealing himself such as an enimies loss of courage when encountering God and that his faithfulness endures according to the covenants he's made. In discussion, Rick explained why the Israelites were prone to go to idol's or more local gods than the Master himself so as Jamie observed, "Be kind to the Israelites", we all have problems related to our native culture. Great discussion!
Our sermons on Entering the Grand Story beginning with 1)The Holy Impositon, 2)Mediator of Life and now 3) Prophecy of the Son recounts the theme of the original failure of man to not "man up" and now God's story recounts the curse (death) since we've been born unfaithful sons and daughters. The Prophecy of the Son is God's revelation that while some came close to his holiness, none were perfect and few really "got it" as presented in the second sermon. Ultimately, the prophecy of Christ's coming will result in finally, a son that is perfect, holy and dies for the sins of all who believe upon Him. This was a great sermon! God sent the "Spirit of His Son" meaning we are no longer a slave, but also an heir to God's kingdom!
Finally, Transitions is centering on "The Call" which is a personal assessment program developed by Focus on the Family and promises to help one encounter his/her own personality traits which gives one a better foundation in mapping a job search while maintaining Christian principles. This is key to not only understanding oneself but relating to our own spiritual transition in experiencing the Bible in 90 days. Quote for the day: "Countless ideas and (transitions) fail due to the ignorance of a basic, elementary truth: that the moment one definately commits himself, Providence moves also...". H. Murray
Thank you for your comments,keep committed and blessing are certain to follow!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Spiritual Renewal Transitions-Second Week
Spiritual renewal requires "transitioning" from a previous spiritual being to a new awareness of spiritual well-being. In our reading the Bible, listening to sermons and participating in discussions centered aroundd reading the bible in 90 days we seem to be "automatically" transitioning into a new, exciting understanding. Perhaps one of the first realizations is that God created the world in six days and on the seventh day, He rested. In his commandments we learn He requires man to do the same: "do no regular work" the seventh day. On this day we are to "study and meditate" and "clarify our values and commit" to them. Therefore, let's look at our sermons, our bible study and discussion and finally Transitions, a market place ministry for those seeking transition from a lost job to a new one or just into a new vocation or calling. Please accept a commerical: Transitions is struggling to survive! Despite the fact that it is facilitated by a most worthy, effective and professional man of God, there are few taking advantage of this empowering ministry! We found this also in our Bible reading: that man had great opportunity but failed to take advantage of it, relying instead on "human nature" which was not the will of God and resulted in failure after failure. Check it out and thank you!
LOMCC Sermons
As some may remember, before Pastor Senyard became our pastor, we heard a sermon by Richard Case on the necessity of "going through the door" into the Kingdom of God.
This was followed with a sermon by Bill Senyard on "once through the door, a choice point appears with two paths: one, that of epithumia (lust of the flesh), the other, that of developing the mind of Christ. Current sermons paralleling our B90 are (and can be purchased in the bookstore) 1) Holy Imposition and 2)"Mediator of Life" where we are "Entering the Grand Story". The first sermon covered in week one is followed by one pointed directly at man, not woman. I must admit, I didn't get it(!) until this sermon! Falling into the category of Adam and most of those who follow, we tend to find an excuse for our failures or just blaming it on someone else. For certain, Moses got it and Judah got it by substituting themselves for whomever made the mistake or sinned, just like Christ did for us! Hence, the Mediator of Life in The Grand Story of the Bible is Christ, himself, who sacrificed himself for our sins.
Thank you, Bill!
Bible Study Discussion
One of the questions by Jamie was "I just don't feel that I understand the true meaningness of all the sacrifices the Israelites were required to do to provide, for example, an aroma pleasing to God". Discussion followed centering around "testing by God and punishment for sin and the redeeming by sacrifice to get their attention by hitting them economically, etc." For me, I didn't get it either but am much clearer on what a sacrifice is truly intended to accomplish since I'm enlighted by the sermon.
Transitions:
This week we did a personality assessment test to learn how we individually function in a 1)natural state, 2)a social state and 3)a logical state. The composite of these graphs reveal much about one's individual behavior under certain circumstances which can be quite beneficial in determine the best characteristics for certain occupations. More to follow this interesting revelation of oneself!
Again, comments are certainly welcome and in fact are necessary for even greater rewards of our spiritual renewal. May God bless you and keep you!
LOMCC Sermons
As some may remember, before Pastor Senyard became our pastor, we heard a sermon by Richard Case on the necessity of "going through the door" into the Kingdom of God.
This was followed with a sermon by Bill Senyard on "once through the door, a choice point appears with two paths: one, that of epithumia (lust of the flesh), the other, that of developing the mind of Christ. Current sermons paralleling our B90 are (and can be purchased in the bookstore) 1) Holy Imposition and 2)"Mediator of Life" where we are "Entering the Grand Story". The first sermon covered in week one is followed by one pointed directly at man, not woman. I must admit, I didn't get it(!) until this sermon! Falling into the category of Adam and most of those who follow, we tend to find an excuse for our failures or just blaming it on someone else. For certain, Moses got it and Judah got it by substituting themselves for whomever made the mistake or sinned, just like Christ did for us! Hence, the Mediator of Life in The Grand Story of the Bible is Christ, himself, who sacrificed himself for our sins.
Thank you, Bill!
Bible Study Discussion
One of the questions by Jamie was "I just don't feel that I understand the true meaningness of all the sacrifices the Israelites were required to do to provide, for example, an aroma pleasing to God". Discussion followed centering around "testing by God and punishment for sin and the redeeming by sacrifice to get their attention by hitting them economically, etc." For me, I didn't get it either but am much clearer on what a sacrifice is truly intended to accomplish since I'm enlighted by the sermon.
Transitions:
This week we did a personality assessment test to learn how we individually function in a 1)natural state, 2)a social state and 3)a logical state. The composite of these graphs reveal much about one's individual behavior under certain circumstances which can be quite beneficial in determine the best characteristics for certain occupations. More to follow this interesting revelation of oneself!
Again, comments are certainly welcome and in fact are necessary for even greater rewards of our spiritual renewal. May God bless you and keep you!
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